The pup is EVERYONE'S business . . .

The puppy in a family envronment must become EVERYONE'S business.  What I mean by that is that the German Shepherd puppy is going to grow up to be a large adult dog and a part of the 'family circle' . . .  or in doggy terms . . .  'the pack.'  While it may become primarily one person's responsibility to see that the puppy (later, the dog) is fed and watered and taken on it's walks, the puppy must learn how to relate to, respond to and . . .  yes . . .  even obey every member of the family's command.

This, of course, means that everyone in the family must be on the same page in terms of dog discipline and, even to some degree, language.  A smart German Shepherd dog is able to learn a fairly large vocabulary so you don't have to be too conscious of everyone using the same exact words or phrases in the training although it is certainly easier for the young puppy not to have to learn too many words for the same task all at once.

Each member of the household should invest one-on-one time everyday with the puppy from the begining.  Younger children should have close supervision but they should still have brief times working with the puppy in training exercises.  Not only are you training the puppy to respond to the child but this is good opportunity for parents to train the young children how to properly work with the puppy.

There is a place for a ONE-PERSON dog . . .  that place is NOT in the family environment.  The dog from a very early age knows and understands 'Pack order'  and that puppy needs to know where it fits in the family (pack.)  The puppy finds it's security in this social order.  If you as a family do not clearly demonstrate the household order to the puppy, the puppy will seek to establish it's own sense of order amongst the humans.  Unwanted behavior on the part of the puppy could be a result and can be difficult to correct.  Don't leave the puppy in charge!

The best time to think through this matter is before your new puppy arrives in the home.  If you already have a pup or young dog but have overlooked this important aspect of your relationship with the pup . . . have a family meeting TODAY and begin to work out your strategy to help the puppy know it's place.  Make a commitment that the pup is EVERYONE'S business. . .  let the puppy become part of the whole family.  The puppy will be easier to handle, much more secure and you will be a happier family for it. . .     Eliot

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